1958 BMW 501 vs. 1985 Morgan 4
To start off, 1985 Morgan 4 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 BMW 501 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1958 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1985 Morgan 4. (96 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1985 Morgan 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 501 weights approximately 580 kg more than 1985 Morgan 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1958 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Morgan 4. (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1958 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Morgan 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 501 | 1985 Morgan 4 | |
| Make | BMW | Morgan |
| Model | 501 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2450 mm |
